Book the Blancaneaux Lodge with VIP Benefits

Blancaneaux Lodge is an extraordinary oasis in Belize's lush rainforest. This eco-lodge is owned by the acclaimed film director Francis Ford Coppola. It offers a truly immersive and sustainable experience.

This hotel is a haven, with its idyllic location alongside the Privassion River. It also provides rustic yet luxurious accommodations. Read on as we explore the beauty of this hidden gem. It promises an unforgettable escape into nature's embrace.

Overview

Blancaneaux Lodge is outside San Ignacio (Belize) in the remote Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve. This 300-square-mile wildlife refuge is in the Maya Mountains. Sofia, the Islander private aircraft they use, can take you directly from Belize City to your destination in under an hour. However, the more adventurous traveler can take the Western Highway from Belize City to Belmopan.

Francis Ford Coppola's wife Eleanor and he first came across this small forest hunting cabin while out hiking. He instantly fell in love. It was then a hideaway that Francis Ford Coppola used to share with his friends and family. The Lodge opened its doors in 1993 for the public, seeking comfort, style, and adventure. The hotel aims to create rustic comfort while blending in with its environment.

Moreover, the river, palmettos, and forest birds create a colorful kaleidoscope. A hydroelectric facility that uses the river's power generates all the electricity at the Lodge. This Lodge is in the middle of many cave complexes that range from vast to tiny. Rio Frio Cave is a two-sided cave carved from a mountain rock by the Rio Frio River. You will find it on the enormous side of the Lodge. There are also many other caves surrounding the Lodge. Many caves, including the Barton Creek Cave, have pottery and bone fragments left over by the Mayans.

Location

Blancaneaux Lodge can be reached by car in an hour from San Ignacio. It is also a two-and-a-half-hour drive away from Belize City International Airport. Moreover, the airstrip nearby is 30 minutes away from Belize City. It is at an elevation of 1500ft that the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve Lodge lies. It is in western Belize's Cayo District. Bring warm clothes for nighttime.

Style & Character

Coppola bought the property in 1981 as a writer's retreat. Twelve years later, he opened it for guests. Coppola has a unique taste and passion for everything. His love of color can be seen in his use of Guatemalan tile and textiles and the eccentric shell phones used to reach reception.

It is surrounded by palm trees and situated on a slope overlooking Privasson. Moreover, a central wooden building houses a restaurant open all day. There is also a gift shop, an enormous fireplace, the Jaguar bar, and a photo gallery of early explorers.

Service and Facilities

There are plenty of activities to choose from. You can take several excursions, including the Caracol Mayan Ruins. Besides, I enjoy horse riding and mountain biking in the area. There are also complimentary bird-watching activities. Or, take a one-hour self-guided hike to Big Rock Falls.

Moreover, a one-room spa with a river view provides treatments that use local products like coffee and coconut. The river is also available for bathing. Or, you can use the swimming pool and a hot water pool. The staff are also very knowledgeable and friendly. Many have been here for many years.

You can reach Big Rock Falls by horseback, mountain bike, and car. You can also swim in warm pools near the misty bottom of the waterfalls. Besides, take a visit to Rio On Pools. Here, small waterfalls cascade between pools carved out by the river from the granite mountain. Natural water slides also connect some pools.

A stable that houses handsome horses is also at the Lodge. On horseback, the guides will take you to nearby caves and waterfalls. They can also lead you into the jungle, where you'll see unusual wildlife and birds. Mountain bikes are also available.

Rooms

There are 20 guest rooms at this family retreat. Palm-thatched roof cabins are dotted with trees on a hillside overlooking the river. They look out onto a river. There are a variety of accommodations, including cabanas and villas. They come in opulent style with textiles, handmade furnishings, and other crafts. All of the accommodations are romantic. However, two luxurious cabanas with their private plunge pool will be particularly memorable.

The accommodation reflects the vibrant colors of the rainforest. Each bungalow comes with colonial-style antique furniture and an artfully crafted hand-woven ceiling. It also features a Japanese-style bath that offers views of jungle skies.

The Enchanted Cottage, FCC Villa, and honeymoon cabana are all available, as well as a 2-bedroom villa. There is no TV or air conditioning but a minibar, a hammock, and yogi mats. There are also mosquito screens and a coffee machine.

Dining

Fruits and vegetables come from the Organic Garden. This lush forest is the Lodge's home. To complement the Coppola recipes, a chef established a self-sufficient organic garden. It is on three acres that grow all fruits and vegetables.

Moreover, enjoy authentic Neapolitan Pizzas. Also, savor fresh seafood cooked in an Italian wood-burning oven. The Jaguar Bar also offers local rum punches. Besides, Privassion Creek runs along the grounds.

The Coppola family's Italian roots and love of winemaking are also evident in the food and drinks here. Montagna is the main candlelit restaurant. It serves Italian dishes. Besides, Guatemaltequa is an unassuming wooden restaurant. It specializes in Guatemalan food, such as root vegetable stew pepian. It is also open some evenings for dinner. You can order breakfast at a la carte, with local fruit and egg dishes. They can also deliver directly to your hotel room.

The organic farm of Blancaneaux also supplies 80% or more of the vegetables to its sister hotel, Turtle Inn Placencia.

Family-Friendly

The villas are divided into different types of family cabanas. Children aged 3-11 can enjoy activities in the villas and family cabanas. Children aged 11 and older will enjoy the 17-horse stables.

Takeaway

Situated in the Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Blancaneaux Lodge offers a truly unique experience. This eco-friendly Lodge is owned by the renowned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola. It provides a blend of rustic charm and modern comforts.

From the moment you arrive, you will be captivated by the Lodge's stunning natural surroundings and impeccable service. Book your stay today. Find out what makes Blancaneaux Lodge a hidden gem in the Belizean jungle.